House debates

Monday, 26 October 2009

Statements by Members

Paul Andrews

6:44 pm

Photo of Sharryn JacksonSharryn Jackson (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I want to join with my colleague the member for Brand and pay tribute to a former state Labor colleague, Paul Andrews. Paul passed away on Thursday night, 22 October, at the age of 54 after losing his battle with cancer. Paul was elected to the state seat of Southern River in February 2001. He held the seat until the 2008 state election. The state seat is encompassed within my federal seat of Hasluck and I worked with Paul over many years—many, many footpaths were pounded in doorknocking and many, many school graduations were attended together.

Paul was well liked by his electorate. He, his office and staff were well respected for their hard work, advocacy and representation on behalf of his constituents. Paul was a teacher before entering the parliament and remained passionate about education in schools. He was delighted by the Rudd government’s education revolution. He was also a transplant recipient. He had two kidney transplants, one of which was from his wife Gim. Paul battled kidney disease for 20 years. He championed organ transplants in the parliament and in the community. Paul was a committed and loving family man. My deepest sympathy goes to Gim and their three kids, Lara, Rebecca and Peter. Paul will be missed.